Independent Distributor,
Serving Independent Operators
FRESH IDEAS, FRESH PRODUCTS & FRESH SOLUTIONS
Van Eerden Foodservice is a fourth-generation, family owned broadline foodservice distributor in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Our high-touch philosophy, combined with our extensive line of products has allowed us to serve businesses throughout the Midwest for over 100 years.
At the VanEerden Annual Food Show you'll discover fresh ideas, fresh products and fresh solutions - and get the best deals of the year.
Live Demonstrations at the
"Big Idea" Culinary Stage
Visit our Main Culinary Stage at the center of the show floor
to discover Fresh Ideas, Fresh Products & Fresh Solutions.
Hover over the boxes below to learn more about each demo.
Recipe, Remixed
From core concept to custom creation
9:30am - 10:00am
The "Big Idea" Culinary Stage
Chef EJ, Corporate Executive Chef
at Van Eerden Foodservice
ABOUT THIS DEMO
Join us for Recipe Remixed, a high-energy culinary demonstration designed to spark creativity and flexibility in your kitchen. Our Chef will take one core recipe concept—like a hand pie or chopped cheese—and remix it with multiple variations using different proteins, flavor profiles, and ingredients. This demo is all about showing how you can take a simple base idea and tailor it to your menu, your customers, and your brand. Walk away with fresh inspiration and practical ways to make each dish your own.
AI x Culinary
The future of food
11:30am - 12:00pm
The "Big Idea" Culinary Stage
Chef Eric & Chef Jordan
from the Daily Blend, Traverse City
ABOUT THIS DEMO
Step into the future of foodservice with AI x Culinary: The Future of Food. Join Chef Eric and Chef Jordan from The Daily Blend as they explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and culinary creativity—live on stage. This unscripted demo will showcase how AI can spark innovation, streamline ideation, and collaborate with chefs to shape what’s next
in food. No printed recipes here— just real-time inspiration, with follow-up recipes dropping on social media after the show.
Speed Scratch Sweets
Scratch desserts made simple
10:30am - 11:00am
The "Big Idea" Culinary Stage
Chef Paige, Executive Sous Chef
at Van Eerden Foodservice
ABOUT THIS DEMO
Discover how to deliver high-impact desserts with streamlined prep in Speed Scratch Sweets. Van Eerden's Executive Sous Chef will demonstrate how to transform pre-made components into unique, signature desserts—
like strawberry tiramisu, peanut butter pie, and cinnamon roll doughnuts. Perfect for operators looking to save time, reduce labor, and still serve up something unforgettable.
The Crunch Factor
Utilizing crunch for creative dishes
12:30pm - 1:00pm
The "Big Idea" Culinary Stage
Chef EJ, Corporate Executive Chef
at Van Eerden Foodservice
ABOUT THIS DEMO
The Crunch Factor, is a culinary demo featuring Chef-crafted dishes that highlight texture as a key element of flavor and appeal. Our Chef will showcase how to elevate menu favorites—like appetizers and salads—using Great Lakes Chips, a premiumlocal chip made in small batches with Michigan-grown, skin-on potatoes. Cooked in 100% non-GMO oils and seasoned with pure sea salt, these chips bring bold flavor and irresistible crunch to every bite. A fresh take on how texture can transform your plate and your profits.
Global Flavors,
Ready Faster
Big flavor, minimal prep.
1:30pm - 2:00pm
The "Big Idea" Culinary Stage
Chef Jennifer Selvaggi
Senior Corporate Chef
Hormel Foodservice
ABOUT THIS DEMO
Join Hormel Foodservice’s Corporate Executive Chef Jennifer Selvaggi for a fast-paced culinary demonstration that proves bold, worldly flavors don’t have to come with long prep times. Showcasing the versatility of fully cooked Hormel® Flash180™ Chicken and Hormel® Fire Braised™ Chicken Thigh, Chef Jennifer will prepare two globally inspired dishes: Crispy Falafel Chicken with WHOLLY® AVOCADO raita and tabbouleh, and Chicken Birria Tacos with a rich, savory consomé. It's international flavor—done smarter.
This or That?
Culinary Action Stations
Visit all four of our Culinary Action Stations throughout the show floor to gain
recipe inspiration, learn about and vote for your favorite new products & trends.
Wolverine Fresh Beef
Smash Burgers vs. Steak Burgers
Available All Day | Wolverine Fresh Beef Booth #130
Thin and crispy or thick and juicy? Step up to the This or That Action Station and cast your vote!
Featuring a head-to-head taste test between smash burgers and steak burgers, this station
lets you decide which burger reigns supreme. Sponsored by Wolverine Packing, a Detroit-based meat
processor known for premium quality beef, this sizzling showdown is all about bold flavors, signature textures,
and crowd-favorite builds. Try both. Pick your winner. Let the burger battle begin.
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Dough & Spice, Fata & Gala
Hand-Tossed vs. Detroit-Style Pizzas
Available All Day | Dough & Spice Booth #90
Two styles. One choice. At the This or That Action Station, it's a slice showdown between
hand-tossed and Detroit-style pizza. Will you go for the classic, foldable favorite or the thick, cheesy-edged
Detroit deep dish? Sample both and cast your vote in this friendly face-off of crusts,
textures, and bold toppings. Let your taste buds decide the winner!
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American Beverage Marketers
Italian Soda vs. French Soda
Available All Day | American Beverage Marketers Booth #116
Bubbly and bright or creamy and smooth? At the This or That Action Station, sample two refreshing takes
on a classic—Italian soda vs. French soda—and vote for your favorite. Featuring premium syrups from
American Beverage Marketers, this interactive station lets you explore how simple beverage builds can add flair
and profitability to your menu. A fun, flavorful showdown designed to inspire chefs, operators, and beverage programs alike.
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Preferred Fresh Cuts
Raw vs. Cooked Vegetables
Available All Day | Preferred Fresh Cuts Booth #86
Fresh and crisp or roasted and caramelized? At the This or That Action Station, it’s a flavor face-off between raw
and cooked vegetables. Sample both styles and cast your vote—do you prefer the bright crunch of raw produce or the deep,
savory notes of cooked? Sponsored by Preferred Fresh Cuts, a leader in fresh-cut produce solutions, this station highlights the
versatility of vegetables and how simple prep can create big menu impact.
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